High School Football: Archbishop Carroll honors Dominic D'Alicandro

RADNOR — The 2012 Archbishop Carroll Homecoming game was much more than just a football game against Catholic League rival Neumann-Goretti Friday night.

It was an evening when many of the players and coaches from the Patriots title teams of 2000-2002 came together to remember one of their teammates, All Catholic League center Dominic D’Alicandro who was tragically killed in a motorcycle accident six years ago.

The D’Alicandro family — who sponsor a scholarship in their son’s name — were also on hand for the ceremony that was held on the field.

That Carroll cruised to a 34-13 win over the Saints made the night even better, also conjured up memories of the winning ways the Patriots program has enjoyed over the years.

Carroll head coach Joe Powell said it was important to keep the legacy of Carroll football alive.

“It means a lot,” Powell said after the game. “To retire a player’s number, that’s a special situation. The D’Alicandro family has been very good to our football team. I thought it was special for our kids to see that. There’s a lot of tradition here at Carroll. They were a very good football program under Dan. For these kids to see all those players come back, they realize they’re playing for a more than just themselves, they are playing for Carroll football.”

Bielli said D’Alicandro was the “best center to ever play at Carroll. And he was the most successful.” Bielli was referring to the Patriots 25-1 record while D’Alicandro started at center. He had been elected captain of the team his senior year.

“He was an unbelievable football player and a better friend somehow,” said teammate Sean Ryan. “There is not a day that goes by that Dom D’Alicandro doesn’t pop into my head.”

Another teammate, Mike Malandra, said it was just great for members of the title teams to get together to look back at their success as well remembering their teammate and friend.

“It’s awesome for all of us to get together and go over old times,” said Malandra. “But it’s not the same. We’ll have a drink tonight to remember him. It’s great to see all the people in the stands; it can only help Carroll play better.”

Carroll’s recent play certainly has its fans thinking of the lopsided scores the Patriots would produce regularly.

Carroll has won its last two games by a combined score of 75-13. The Patriots are 3-3 overall, 2-0 in Catholic League AA play.

“Our kids are starting to believe in what we’re doing,” Powell said. “And they’re playing sound football and aggressive football. That’s all I can ask. We’ve played two very good games back-to-back, hopefully it will continue.”

Carroll’s defense over the last two games has been as impressive as the offense. The Patriots shut out Conwell-Egan last week and held a 34-0 lead late in the third quarter against Neumann-Goretti.

The speedy but undersized Patriots employ a defense that relies on coverage by the secondary to make things happen with its pressure on the quarterback.

With the results of the last two weeks, the system seems to be working.

Wide receiver/cornerback Dan Bier picked off Saints quarterback Ray Lenhart at the Carroll 40-yard line and raced 60 yards for a score that pretty much ended the game.

“We’re aggressive right now and our secondary leads us,” Powell said. “We put tremendous pressure on the quarterback and our secondary is not afraid to take chances. “

Bier finished with five catches for 23 yards.

Shawn Springs and Ryan Boornazian each rushed for 67 yards.

Quarterback Sal Bello was 8 of 14 for 99 yards including a 49-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Rongione.

Bello also scored on an eight-yard run.

Carroll’s defense did not allow a Neumann-Goretti first down until late in the third quarter.

Had it not been for the late runs by Saints running back Tyliek Raynor (137 yards, 10 carries, TD) the stats would have been even more lopsided.

“I think we’re playing a little more sound,” Powell said. “The boys now realize what the system is and they are doing their job and they’re not trying to do too much. We’re starting to have good practices, and they are studying and really understanding the defense.”